Original painting by Jon Langford click it for more info on Jon's art.

We are running out of true musical giants here on planet Earth. It seems we toss out platitudes like "legend" with ease and discuss ad nauseam who belongs in whatever "hall of fame" or "all-time greatest" list that grabs our increasingly short attention span. However, the depth and breadth of longevity, innovation and spirit that left us this week is a hole that may never be filled. Allen Toussaint may not be a household name, but in the world of music he belongs in the same conversation as Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Parker, The Beatles, James Brown, Miles Davis and Cole Porter, to name a few. Rarefied air... and a very funky beat.

This isn't the place for a history lesson as his story, stats and accomplishments can be found quite easily on the web, and I would urge you to do just that. I can't think of many artists that touched as many different styles of music, wore as many creative hats or crossed as many boundaries. And certainly none that did it with the impeccable grace, humility and passion of Allen Toussaint.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Toussaint. We will never see your like again.

What follows is a mere drop in the bucket when you look over his discography but are among my favorites.